Accion Opportunity Fund: Building financial capability among underserved small business owners

Our programs

Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit small business lender focused on supporting entrepreneurs who have historically lacked access to affordable and responsible financing.

How Accion Opportunity Fund supports small businesses in the United States

Small businesses are economic anchors in their communities — creating jobs, circulating local dollars, and fueling economic growth. Yet many of these businesses remain underserved by the financial system and face persistent barriers to capital.
Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) is working to change that. By offering affordable capital, coaching, educational resources, and access to networks, the organization helps U.S. small business owners — particularly those who face challenges accessing affordable financing — build stronger, more resilient businesses.
Through digital tools and community partnerships, AOF reaches hundreds of thousands of people each year with business loans, coaching, and education. While its impact was once measured in individual engagements, the organization is now moving toward a more integrated model — offering long-term, tailored support that evolves with each business owner’s journey.

Program overview

Our work together

In partnership with Mastercard Strive USA, Accion Opportunity Fund launched a best-in-class online learning platform called Learn with AOF to help small business owners make informed financial decisions that strengthen their businesses. The platform builds on existing content and offers training on topics like cash flow management, financial documentation, and business credit.
As part of this initiative, the Learn with AOF is being embedded directly into the loan process. Declined applicants are routed to modules that explain why and what to do next; approved borrowers are offered credit-building resources to help qualify for larger loans in the future.
With insights gathered from user engagement and learning outcomes, Accion Opportunity Fund is building a “high tech, high touch” approach — pairing personalized recommendations with real-time human support to connect each entrepreneur to the right tools at the right time.

By the numbers

In its first six months, Learn with AOF attracted more than 500 platform users.
92% of learners who complete knowledge checks demonstrate mastery of the financial concept explained in their course.

“The Learn with AOF platform marks a major milestone in Accion Opportunity Fund’s creation of a best-in-class digital experience for its customers, even if they have been unable to access small business resources elsewhere. With this platform, AOF is uniquely equipped to offer a combination of responsible capital and actionable learning that leads to meaningful financial health outcomes for small business owners. We are grateful for Mastercard Strive USA’s brave partnership and commitment to helping us build this future together.”

Luz Urrutia

CEO, Accion Opportunity Fund

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